Hose training / crate training a puppy or adult dog

House Training/crate training a puppy or adult dog:

The following article is based up the principles used by
Downtown Pet, a NYC dog
walker company in New York City.

1. If you bring home a puppy you will first want to section off
an area for your little one. Puppy proof this area and make sure
there are no wires or loose items. On one side of this sectioned
off area, leave a bed and way on the other side put down a wee
wee pad. This will be their first home and they will learn to
differ between going in the bathroom as opposed to the home.

2. When your dog is ready (usually around 4-5 months of age and
up), you can crate your dog. Make sure you introduce the crate
to your dog in a pleasant, fun filled way. Do not have your dog
walk in their for the first time and shut the door behind them.
But rather tie the door open, put treats and toys in the crate
and let them get used to it. Gradually (through the day) close
the door behind them and extend the time they stay in. Many dogs
will not love it at first, but rest assured, it will be OK, it’s
the best way to house train a dog, and in the future your dog
will consider his crate, his own little den.

3. How long should a dog stay in a crate? A dog can usually hold
its bladder equivalent in hours to its age (a 4mth old can hold
it 4 hours and so on). Ideally you want a puppy to be taken out
for a walk and bathroom break every four to five hours (starting
with their morning walk) at first. The key is quiet simple: the
dog can not go to the bathroom in the house or the crate! House
training is like pregnancy, you can not be a little bit pregnant
and you can not be a little bit house trained. There is no
comfortable medium.

4. Here are some quick thoughts on house training: a.)
Coordinate your house training with your vet. Ask your vet if it
would be OK to only feed your dog in the morning and how much to
feed? If your dog continues to wet its crate, ask your vet how
and if you can alter your dogs water intake. b.) Do not crate
your dog more than 6 hours at a time. c.) Do not punish your dog
by putting them in the crate. They have to see it as a happy
place. d.) NEVER HAVE ANY GEAR (COLLAR, HARNESS,ETC.) ON YOUR
DOG WHEN PUT IN THE CRATE. Dogs must go into the crate “naked”.
Dogs have gotten tangled on the crate and hung themselves.